I see so many wonderful wedding traditions as a photographer, and learning about their significance is always important to me. It’s crucial for me to not only capture the essence of the couple on their wedding day but also to know how best to document these traditions. And there are certainly plenty of Christian wedding traditions you can implement into your wedding! Below are some traditions that can be sweet ways to celebrate your commitment to each other before the Lord and your family and friends!
I love seeing couples come together and commit to marriage before family, friends, and God. Recognizing the Lord when committing to a lifelong union is so meaningful and important. There are so many ways to celebrate your faith on your wedding day! If you’re looking for Christian wedding traditions for your ceremony, here are five traditions you should consider.
5 Christian Wedding Traditions You Should Consider For Your Wedding
Take your time considering which traditions you want to use on your special day. Christian wedding traditions should resonate with both you and your groom-to-be (or bride-to-be), so be sure to ask what ones might be important to them too.
#1 – Bridal Veil
Bridal veils are quite traditional, and you’ll see them used in various cultures. However, they have some special significance for Christians. When searching for the perfect wedding dress for your wedding day, you can look for a dress with a veil. Or, if you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams and it doesn’t come with a veil, try to find one that matches the details and tones of your dress.
When a father removes the veil from the bride’s face, it symbolizes what we read in the bible about marriage in Genesis 2:24: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” The Father is giving her away to her new husband. This union was designed to be for life. Jesus said no man is to separate what God has joined (Mark 10:9). Despite any cultural trends to the contrary, God’s plan is for one man and one woman to be joined in marriage until death separates them (Romans 7:2). If you want to read more about that, click here to read more.
You can wear your veil in any number of ways! It looks so elegant draped over you until you arrive at the altar when your Father or soon-to-be spouse reveals you to the congregation. You can also have it cascade down your back from the crown of your head, accentuating your hair and dress. It is one of my favorite Christian wedding traditions that symbolizes purity, modesty, and reverence. It’s also a lovely way to adorn the bride!
#2 – The Wedding Dress
I’ve seen all kinds of wedding dresses. They vary in shape, style, color, and more! A wedding dress often reflects the personality of the bride. When it comes to Christian wedding traditions, most brides opt for a pure white or cream gown that looks gorgeous and appropriate. There’s a verse in the bible that is likely what inspired the tradition of wearing white:
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” – Revelation 19:6-9
#3 – Reading Of The Verses
One of the most important Christian wedding traditions is the reading of the verses. There are so many verses from The Bible you can choose from that can both celebrate the truth of the gospel and your commitment to marriage to one another. Some of the most common verses I hear in Christian weddings are 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (“Love is patient, love is kind…”) and Genesis 2:24 (“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.)
When selecting a verse from The Bible for this Christian wedding tradition, really take time to consider what verse and translation accurately reflect your commitment to each other. Also, you can ask family members or close friends to read the verses during the ceremony.
#4 – Taking Communion
Christian wedding traditions often include communion. This a way to thank the Lord and remember his sacrifice for us as the first act of worship as husband and wife. The communion wine symbolizes the covenant by which Christ obtained His Bride. It is a remembrance of what Christ did for us and a celebration of what we receive as a result of His sacrifice. Read more here.
One note, in the bible, Paul warned those who might approach communion flippantly or dishonorably: “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:26–29). Read more here if you’d like!
You two can receive communion from your pastor, or the entire congregation can also be invited to partake in communion! Regardless of your decision, this Christian wedding tradition is one of my favorites.
#5 – Singing
Singing is one of my favorite Christian wedding traditions, and for good reason! Whether you want just a few featured singers at your wedding or want everyone to join in, singing at a wedding is always a hit. Watching the bride and groom sing with family and friends is so special and makes everyone feel connected. And since there are TONS of incredible Christian songs and hymns for weddings, you can easily get overwhelmed by the various choices.
Some popular Christian hymns in Christian wedding traditions are Be Thou My Vision – Eleanor H. Hull, Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Thomas Chisholm and William M. Runyan, In Christ Alone – Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee – Henry van Dyke and so many more! Grab a hymn book if you want more ideas!
Looking for something more modern? Here’s a playlist I created that you might love! When you pick a Christian wedding song for your ceremony, find one that speaks to both of you as a couple and honors your faith, too.
Final Thoughts
Weddings are always such a joyful occasion – I can’t get enough of them! And seeing a couple come together to celebrate their love and commitment to the Lord in front of everyone they love is truly remarkable. I love capturing the essence of the day and Christian wedding traditions can help ensure your relationship with the Lord is part of your wedding day story.
I’d love to connect with you if you’d like to talk more about Christian wedding photography ideas.
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